Police nab suspect in first Quiapo blast

The pipe bomb that injured 13 people last April 28 in Quiapo, Manila could have been made with the help of the Internet.

Manila Police District director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel raised the possibility yesterday while announcing the arrest of one of the suspects.

In a press conference, Coronel presented Abel Macaraya, 35, who was arrested in his house on P. Casal St. in Quiapo.

He faces a case of multiple frustrated murder and violation of illegal possession of explosives.

Three other suspects – Raymond Mendoza, Ali Moro, and a certain “Saro” – are being hunted, according to Coronel.

Coronel said the bombing incident was a simple case of revenge. He said that Macaraya is the brother-in-law of the minor who lodged charges of physical injury and child abuse against the Kahulugan brothers who are working in the fairground where the pipe bomb was left.

The MPD chief said they consider the case solved, “but not closed because we still need to effect the arrest of all perpetrators.”

With regards to the twin explosions last May 6 in Quiapo, Coronel said they are still establishing the motive behind the attempt against the life of lawyer Naser Abinal, the recipient of the package containing the first bomb that went off.

It could have something to do with Abinal’s work at the Bureau of Internal Revenue, his being an Imam, or his being a lawyer, according to Coronel.

The MPD chief identified the slain GrabExpress driver as Mark Anthony Torres who handed the package to Mohammad Bainga who was also killed by the blast. (JAIMIE ROSE A. ABERIA)